Kimolos is one of the Western Cyclades Islands. It is found between the islands of Sifnos and Milos, being particularly close to the latter, with only a narrow channel separating the two. Kimolos is a small island with volcanic activity and beautiful beaches. It is rich in fauna and boasts a variety of rock formations. Its waters provide shelter to the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus) and its mountains are inhabited by rare animals like the vipera lebetina, a type of ochia (viper snake), the blue lizard, the sea crow, the golden owl, a rare species of falcon, and several types of migratory birds.

The island’s Capital town is Chorio or Horio (Greek for Village), whilst the port that serves the island’s ferry connections is Psathi.

Visitors to Kimolos will experience genuine hospitality, an authentic cuisine and a deep sense of calm. Part of the island’s beaches are accessible only by boat, which makes Kimolos an ideal destination for yachts.

Psathi has also connections to other Cyclades Islands, namely Kea, Kythnos, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Serifos, Sifnos, Santorini and Milos. The latter has a daily connection to Kimolos via the local ferry PANAGIA FANEROMENI, which carries both passengers and vehicles, and leaves Milos from a small port in Apollonia, rather than the main port of Milos.

For more information on the schedule of the ferry PANAGIA FANEROMENI, please visit kimolos-link.gr. You can also reach them by phone on +30 6948 308758.

The port is quite small and private vessels should be aware of the shallow waters.

Road System:

Kimolos’s road system extends from Psathi to Chorio and Xaplovouni. Tarmac roads cover about 10km from Fykiada to Agios Minas. There is a relatively accessible 7km long dirt road network, which spreads from Klima to Prasa in the North, and up to Ellinka in the south-west and Sklavos in the centre of the island. Visitors can bring their cars or motorcycles onto the island or they can rent a vehicle out at Chorio (tel. +30 22870 51801, +30 6984 278789).

There is, also, a small bus (driven by Mr Manolis, tel: +30 6973 700033) that travels the tarmac roads of the island, and a taxi (Mrs Aneza Logotheti, +30 69454 64093, +30 22870 51552) that goes all the way up to Prasa.

For more information on the local bus and its routes, please visit www.gokimolos.gr

Hiring a sea taxi:

From the port of Psathi, one can hire a sea taxi to Polyaigos or the Northern part of the isand (Sea Taxi Euaggelos Vamvakaris, tel +30 22870 51150, +30 6972 272111), where one has the opportunity to explore the beaches that are not accessible by land.

According to legend, the island was named after Kimolos, husband of Taurus’s daughter, Sidi, who is thought to be one of the first inhabitants of the land. Others claim that it is named after the word ‘kimolia’ (Greek for chalk), the white rock that can be found in abundance on the island.

In ancient times, Kimolos was also known as Echinousa, because of a snake called Echidna (Ochia in Modern Greek) that roams the island to this day.

During the occupation of the island by the Venetians, they named it Argentiera, (after argentum, the Latin name for silver), most probably because of the distinct colour of the rocks in the south of the island.

Archeological findings show that Kimolos was inhabited since at least 5000 BC. In the 5th Century BC, Kimolos was part of the Athenian Alliance, in contrast to the neighbouring Milos, which was under Spartan influence. On the West side of the island, in the area of Ellinika, one can find the ancient sunk –possibly by a strong earthquake- city of Kimolos. Since antiquity, the two islands have had disagreements over the island of Polyaigos, which has belonged to Kimolos since the 4th Century BC. Remains of the ancient houses and graves can be found on the small island of Agios Andreas (opposite Ellinika), as well as on the seabed between the two. It is of note that in antiquity, from 416 BC onwards, the command of several of the islets in the area, including Polyaigos, was contested for quite a long period of time by Milos. Thanks to the commerce of precious rocks, the island saw substantial growth and even had, in the 3rd Century BC its own currency. It had two ports, one in Ellinika and the other in Psathi, where the local fishermen still store their boats during the winter in caves carved in the rock by the water, known as Syrmata.

BYZANTINE TIMES

During the era of the Byzantine Empire, the island was known for the excavation and trade of its chalk-rich land. In 1207, the island fell into the hands of the Franks and Marco Sanoudo united it with the Duchy of Naxos.

OTTOMAN TIMES

The island was then occupied first by the Turks and then, during the Russo-Turkish war (1768-1774), by the Russians.

Kimolos became part of the state of Greece in 1830, along with rest of the Cyaclades Islands.

THE CUSTOM OF ICONS

In line with a specific custom, an icon portraying a Saint is hosted by a family of faithful for an entire year. On the Saint’s Day, the icon is transferred to the Church before sunset by procession, where there is a liturgy in the Saint’s name. The icon is, then, received by another family.

Born by pious parents on November 10th 1861 at Kimolos, she was the third child from the eight in her family. She was baptized Irene and from a very young age she stood out by her piety, modesty and love towards the Church.

Within the pious environment of her island and a family devoted to Christ, as she grew up so did her faith and religious fervency. She longed and waited for the proper time to devote herself completely to God and the Church.

However, since she was at an age “suitable for marriage” her parents decided to marry her; she submitted to their will and married a seaman from Chios.

Some time after the marriage the husband of the young woman shipwrecked and drowned at the shores of Asia Minor and then Irene felt that this was the time of divine calling for her.

When she confessed her wish to the priest who was her spiritual advisor, he encouraged her in realization her aim. After proper preparation she was ordained a nun, by the then archbishop of Siros Methodios and took the name Methodia. This event filled Methodia with infinite joy since her deepest wish was fulfilled. From then on she passed her life following faithfully and with great dedication the rules of monasticism, staying in her solitary cell, at “Stiadi”, at the uninhabited Inner Castle of Kimolos, next to the Sacred Church of the Birth of the Lord, which is dated from 1592.

This solitary cell was a true “confinement” where Methodia led an ascetic life with deep faith and enthusiastic perseverance and in spite of the fact that she didn’t live in a monastery she kept the monastic rules diligently and religiously. Her faith and prayers, fasting, vigil, study and her charity transformed her small cell into a holy place which was literally and metaphorically sweet-scented.

From the site of her confinement Methodia seldom left, only to watch the Mass and receive Holy Communion or when it was great need and she wanted to assist someone who was in need. Her confinement was absolute during the period of the Lent and then she accepted to listen and give advice to women who were in great need and with whom she communicated through a small window, the only one in her cell, without opening her door. However, the rest of the time her cell was a true sacred school not only for the women of Kimolos but also for women from came from other islands having learned about the Osia in order to benefit spiritually from her teaching, to find relief from the sufferings of life and to draw from her inexhaustible source of faith, courage and will, love, perseverance and heart. She had dedicated students who transferred to their families the “dew and the medicament” which sprung from the sacred site and we can argue, with no hint of exaggeration that she influenced the life of all her compatriots.

Strict fasting, vigilance, prayer, tears, study, humility, charity enabled Methodia to become a “healer through Christ” receiving the grace to perform miracles. Miracles that are testified by her compatriots but also miracles that took place and continue to take place even today to those who invoke her help with clear heart and faith.

At an age of 47 and after a brief illness the “Christ Bearing” Osia Methodia passed away on October 5th 1908, while it was generally believed by her compatriots that God placed her amongst His Saints. In their mind she was a Saint and that was obvious in the fact that on August 15th 1946 they composed and signed a confession by which they recognized Osia as “patron saint and guardian of the island and great benefactor of them all”.

In 1962 in the place of her ruined cell a small church was built, honored under the name of Virgin the Merciful and Osia Methodia. They transferred her holy remains from the church of Agios Spiridonas, where they were kept since then, and placed in a crypt within the church. On October 5th 1991, a day of the event for her official declaration as a Saint, her remains were transferred again to the Sacred Church of Panagia Odigitria and they are still kept there, at the holy pilgrimage to every faithful Christian.

They called her an unsleeping vigil candle, the pride and guardian of Kimolos, inspired by God and valuable vessel of God-send virtues, luminescent lamp and brilliant glory of Cyclades. Innumerable are the epithets with which the admiration of the pious Christians adorned the humble peasant girl who felt the Lord’s calling from a very early age and responded with all the might of her soul. In the last two centuries Cyclades gave four holy figures to our Church: Osios Nikodemos Agioritis from Naxos, Osios Arsenios from Paros, Osia Pelagia from tinos and Osia Methodia in the 20th century from Kimolos. Her official sanctification took place by the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the Act 499 on July 17th 1991.

Kimolos Island, Cyclades Beaches

Overview

Map

Aliki Beach

Aliki, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesAliki beach is one of the three consecutive, large beaches with mainly sand and pebbles, characterised by clear and shallow waters. The other two are Bonatsa and Kalamitsi beaches.
In Aliki one can find shade under the tamarix trees.
Aliki...View More

Bonatsa Beach

Kalamitsi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesBonatsa beach is one of the three consecutive, large beaches with mainly sand and pebbles, characterised by clear and shallow waters.
The other two are Aliki and Kalamitsi beaches.
In Bonatsa one can enjoy the shade from tamarix...View More

Goupa Beach

Goupa Kara, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesA short way away from Chorio and Psathi, one can find the small bay of Goupa.
It has clear waters and is usually protected from the summer winds.
Next to Goupa are the bays of Rema and Karas.
Apart from some rooms to let, there...View More

Kalamitsi Beach

Kalamitsi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesKalamitsi beach is one of the three consecutive, large beaches with mainly sand and pebbles, characterised by clear and shallow waters. The other two are Aliki and Bonatsa beaches.
In Kalamitsi one can enjoy the shade from tamarix...View More

Karas Beach

Goupa Kara, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesA short way away from Chorio and Psathi, one can find the small bay of Karas.
It has clear waters and is usually protected from the summer winds.
Next to Karas is the bay of Goupa.
Apart from some rooms to let, there is no real...View More

Mavrospilia Beach

Kimolos Island, CycladesMavrospilia is a sandy, non-organised and secluded beach accessible by dirt road.
Next to Mavrospilia there is the beach of Ellinika and the formation of Aspragremna.
In the middle of the gulf there is the small isle of St. Andrew...View More

Prassa Beach

Prassa, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesPrassa is, maybe, the best beach on the island of Kimolos when it comes to scenery.
Close by, one can find the quarries where chalk used to be exavated. The white colour of the chalk gives the waters of Prasa beautiful shades of blue...View More

Psathi Beach

Psathi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesPsathi Beach, albeit a port, has relatively clean waters and plenty of natural shade under the trees.
One can, also, enjoy fresh fish and other delicacies at the tavernas behind the beach or have a cup of coffee whilst waiting for...View More

Rema Beach

Goupa Kara, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesA short way away from Chorio and Psathi, one can find the small bay of Rema.
It has clear waters and is usually protected from the summer winds.
In Rema, an interesting attraction is the "Syrmata". Syrmata are caves carved in the...View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesDekas is a sandy, non-organised beach accessible by dirt road.
Next to Dekas you can see the beach of Ellinika and the formation of Aspragnemna.
In the middle of the gulf there is the small isle of St. Andrew (Agios Andreas).View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesMonastiria beach is accessible via a dirt road and a signed path. Otherwise it is a good spot to approach with sailing boats.
When there is a northern wind blowing at Monastiria, one can go to Soufi beach, which is completely protected.
Monastiria...View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesAgioklima is a quiet bay that is solely accessible by private boat.
Revitalize yourselves at the hot spring flowing at the Agioklima beach
It has clear waters and natural beauty, but it is best not to visit when northern winds are blowing.View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesEllinika beach is accessible by dirt road.
In the area of Ellinika, one can gaze at the half-sunk, ancient city of Kimolos.
The Apsragremna formation can be found right next to Ellinika.
Mavrospilia and Dekas beaches are next to...View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesSoufi beach is accessible via a dirt road and a signed path. Otherwise it is a good spot to approach with sailing boats.
When there is a northern wind blowing, Soufi beach is a very good choice because it is completely protected.
Soufi...View More

Soufi Beach

Zefokalamo Beach

Kimolos Island, CycladesZefokalamo bay is solely accessible by private boat.
It has clear waters and natural beauty.View More

What to see in Kimolos Island, Cyclades

Overview

Map

Gennisi Christou Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe Holy Temple of the Birth of Christ (Gennisi tou Christou) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
Built in 1592, it...View More

Panagia Odigitria Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesIn Chorio, the Metropolitan Temple of Panagia Odigitria stands out. The Temple was built between 1867 and 1874 from the inhabitants of the island.
It is rich in artistic wealth and beautiful icons, amongst which, one can single out,...View More

Kimolos Island, CycladesIf you have a craft at your disposal, you can see the Carved Cave (Pelekiti) at Kakopotamos in the North part of the island.View More

Pelekiti Cave

Metamorfosi Sotiros Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesMetamorfosi of Sotiros church (Transfiguration of the Saviour) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It was built in the 17th...View More

Metamorfosi Sotiros Church

Carved Figure of Kimolos

Kimolos Island, CycladesAt the beach, next to the promontory of Agios Georgios in Kalamitsi, you can see the carved figure on the rock, work of an anonymous artist. It is written "ENALIOS AITHRA".View More

Carved Figure of Kimolos

Chrisopigi Church

Kimolos Island, CycladesChrysopigi is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
Built towards the end of the 17th Century, it is one-aisled, flat-roofed basilica...View More

Chrisopigi Church

Skiadi

Kimolos Island, CycladesOn the northwestern part of Kimolos, west of the “Sklavos” height, there is a huge stone mushroom, which the people of the island call “Skiadi”.
A natural monument that lies in the middle of a barren plateau with excellent...View More

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesPantokratoras (The Almighty) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It is built on the top mountain Xaplovouni and visitors...View More

Pantokratoras Church

Folklore and Maritime Museum of Kimolos

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe Folklore and Maritime museum is found inside the Castle of Kimolos. It is housed in a two-storey privately owned building.
It preserves folk and traditional elements of the island and its inhabitants.
Also on display are items...View More

Folklore and Maritime Museum of Kimolos

Agios Ioannis Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe church of Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos (St John) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It was built in 17th Century and is...View More

Agios Ioannis Church

Panagia of Konomos Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesPanaghia of Konomos church (Dormition of the Virgin Mary) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It was built in the 17th Century...View More

Panagia of Konomos Church

Stone Bridge

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesAt Panoklima, Chorio’s northern exit, there is a stone bridge, where one can see the terraces (step-like landforms) that are dispersed across the inner part of the island.View More

Stone Bridge

Castle of Kimolos

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesChorio, built on the foothills of Xaplovouni, covers a lot of area and is distinguished in two sections: the older residential part is the medieval castle, of the 14th or the 16th century, square shaped, which consists of two house...View More

Castle of Kimolos

Archaeological Museum of Kimolos

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe Archaeological Museum of Kimolos is located at Chorio, opposite the Metropolitan Church of Panagia Odigitria. It is housed at a traditional two-story building, one of the oldest of Chorio. It started its operation on July 11th...View More

Archaeological Museum of Kimolos

Gerakia Cave

Kimolos Island, CycladesGerakia cave is only accessible by private boat.
It is an exotic cave on Gerakia cape.View More

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesComing out of Chorio and going up towards Mountain Xaplovouni, one comes face to face with the Windmills.
From that spot, one can enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and the rest of the island.View More

Windmills of Kimolos

Afentakeion Foundation

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe Great Benefactor George Nikolaos Oikonomou Afentakis occupies, undoubtedly, a prominent place in contemporary history of Kimolos and in the hearts of the people of the island. George Nikolaos Oikonomou Afentakis came from a family...View More

Afentakeion Foundation

Agios Spridon and Agioi Saranta Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesAgios Spiridon church (1956) is located in the main square of the village Chorio.View More

Agios Spridon and Agioi Saranta Church

Aspragremna

Kimolos Island, CycladesAspragremna, next to Ellinika beach and in front of the Maurospilia, is a unique geological formation.
It looks like a hand coming out of the sea and makes for an ideal place to take photographs, especially during sunset.View More

Aspragremna

Sotira Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesSotira (Savior) (17th century), on the western side of the Castle.View More

Sotira Church

Elephant

Goupa Kara, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesIn Rema Bay, the winds and waves have carved a piece of the rock, giving it the shape of an elephant.View More

Elephant

Taxiarches Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe Taxiarches church (Archangels) is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It was built in the 17th Century and is located in...View More

Taxiarches Church

Agioi Anargiri Church

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesAgioi Anargiri is one of the eight churches that are considered to be monuments of particular architectural value and are protected by the Ministry of Culture.
It was built in the 17th Century and is found just opposite the Lower...View More

What to do in Kimolos Island, Cyclades

Overview

Map

Hiking Route Chorio - Ellinika

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesKimolos island has several signposted paths, the two main ones are the paths leading to Skiadi and to Ellinika beach.
The route, Chorio-Ellinika beach, is 7km long and takes around 60 minutes to cover
There are 3 more routes with...View More

Hiking Route Chorio - Ellinika

5x5 Football Field

Kimolos Island, CycladesTaking the road to Prassa beach, very close to the Fuel Gas Station you will find the 5 on 5 soccer field.
Play soccer with the magnificent view of the Polyaigos.View More

Psathi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesFrom the port of Psathi, one can hire a sea taxi to Polyaigos or the northern part of the island (Sea Taxi Euaggelos Vamvakaris), where one has the opportunity to explore the beaches that are not accessible by land.View More

Day Trip - Sea Taxi

Hiking Route Chorio - Skiadi

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesKimolos island has several signposted paths. The two main ones are the paths leading to Skiadi and to Ellinika beach.
The route, Chorio-Skiadi, is 70-90 minutes long.
There are 3 more routes with Chorio as the starting point:
Chorio-Mountain...View More

Psathi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe mouth-watering scents of local dishes inspired by the traditional cuisine come to tantalize the palates with the distinctive flavours of Greece. The charming Echinousa complex enriches its guests’ overall experience with delectable...View More

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesFor more than ninety years, Kali Kardia, also known as “Bochoris”, the nickname of the owners, is a living tradition of Kimolos.In the past it was usual for Greek villages to have a store operating as a coffee shop, restaurant,...View More

Kalamitsi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe restaurant \"Bonatsa\" is located at the settlement with the same name and at a distance of just 50 metres from the sea.
The view will enchant you, overlooking from its terrace Milos, Polyaigos, Agios Efstathios, Agios Georgios,...View More

Kimolos Town, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesBased on the island’s traditional cuisine and following the Mediterranean diet’s guidelines, Meltemi Restaurant will be your “passport” to a delightful taste journey. Using exceptionally pure ingredients and great cooking skills,...View More

Psathi, Kimolos, Kimolos Island, CycladesThe mouth-watering scents of local dishes inspired by the traditional cuisine come to tantalize the palates with the distinctive flavours of Greece. The charming Echinousa complex enriches its guests’ overall experience with delectable...View More